Newport News, VA –After undergoing an on-site evaluation and demonstrating compliance with nationally developed standards for stroke care, Riverside Regional Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for certification as a Primary Stroke Center, for a second year in a row.

The Joint Commission's Certificate for Primary Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Achievement of certification signifies that the services Riverside provides have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes.

Riverside Regional Medical Center was the first on the Peninsula to become a certified Primary Stroke Center in 2010. Riverside's Stroke Center has medical staffs in the Emergency and Trauma Center, who are specially trained to quickly recognize and treat stroke symptoms. Riverside also has neurosurgeons, neurologists and Interventional Radiologists standing by 24 hours a day to perform advanced care available only at Riverside. Riverside's Stroke Program starts in the Emergency Room but includes all phases of care including rehabilitation and outpatient treatment.

"It is truly a great day when outside surveyors come into your facility and recognize you for providing the best possible care to our patients and the community" said, Pat Parcells MD, Administrator Riverside Regional Medical Center.

Each Year about 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation's fourth leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.

The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association's statements and Guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program in 2003.